Attachments, brackets, and support assemblies

ABSTRACT

An attachment device which includes: a length of material which is fixed to a body portion of the attachment device at one end thereof via a loop, the other end of the length of material being capable, in use, of being passed around a frame or part thereof to which the bracket is to be attached; a gripping mechanism capable of receiving the free end of the length of material and holding the length of material received therein, in a set position, until the gripping mechanism is released; and wherein the looping of the length of material to the body portion positions the length of material between the body portion and the frame or part thereof to which the attachment device is attached in use.

STATEMENT OF CORRESPONDING APPLICATIONS

This application is based on the Provisional specification filed inrelation to New Zealand Patent Application Number 563350, the entirecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an improved attachment device, bracketand/or support assembly.

BACKGROUND ART

A multitude of attachment devices, bracket and support assembliespresently exist.

The attachment device, bracket and/or support assembly of the presentinvention is/are generally suitable for attaching to a frame, or partthereof, such as bicycle frame, automobile roof rack, push chairs orhand rails. However, this should not be seen as limiting as the presentinvention may be attached to other objects. For ease if reference onlythe present invention will now be discussed in relation to frames.

A problem with existing attachment devices/brackets such as those shownin U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,279, and U.S. Pat. No. 2,604,098 occurs due tothe body of the attachment device/bracket coming into direct contactwith the frame, as this can lead to unintended damage, such as paint orsurface finish damage, occurring to the framework. This damage typicallyarises in situations where the attachment device/bracket gets knocked oris otherwise twisted about, or slid along, the frame when the attachmentdevice/bracket encounters a force of sufficient magnitude. The forcerequired to effect damage need normally only be greater than that of thefrictional force by which the attachment device/bracket grips the frame.

It would therefore be an advantage if there could be provided anattachment device/bracket which can overcome or at least mitigate theabove disadvantages.

In particular, it would be useful if there could be provided anattachment device/bracket which is capable of being subjected to agreater force before moving with respect to the frame.

It would also be of particular advantage if there could be provided anattachment device/bracket which does not have a portion of body of theattachment device/bracket in contact with the frame.

A further drawback of many existing attachment devices/brackets such asdisclosed in DE4304239, U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,555 and those previouslymentioned, is that their construction limits the maximum size and/orweight of items that the attachment device/bracket is capable ofsupporting on the frame due to the loading placed on the attachmentdevice/bracket. Heavy items also run the risk of facilitating damageoccurring to the frame.

It would be an advantage if there could be an attachment device/bracketwhich could support a greater load than existing brackets. It would beespecially useful if the attachment device/bracket could support largerloads and:

-   -   have a reduced tendency to twist or slide when the attachment        device/bracket is subjected to an additional force such as a        knock; and/or    -   reduce the resultant load exerted by the attachment        device/bracket at the point of attachment.

In a similar vein support assemblies used to help secure items toframes, such as bicycle frames, also suffer from a number of drawbacks.

For ease of reference the frame will now be referred to as a bicycleframe. However, it will be appreciated that this should not be seen aslimiting as the bracket and/or support assembly of the present inventionmay be used with other frames.

One drawback with known support assemblies such as those disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 5,271,540, U.S. Pat. No. 4,154,382 and NL1009804C, usedfor carrying luggage, or other items, is that they are generally onlycapable of being used on one particular type and/or size of bike. Thatis the support assemblies tend to be manufactured to a set size and tohave specific points of attachment on the bicycle.

Another drawback with known support assemblies is that they tend to haveone, or in some cases two, position(s) in which they can be employed ona bicycle.

It would therefore be useful if there could be provided a supportassembly which can be more universally fitted to different types and/orsizes of bicycle.

In particular it would be useful if an adjustable support assembly couldbe provided to cater for the wide range of bicycle frame configurationsavailable.

A further draw back of other known support assemblies such as thosedisclosed in DE202004007825U, GB462138 and WO0043258 is that they aregenerally fixed or attached to the bicycle using bolts, clamps and otherpermanent fasteners, taking some time and difficulty to attach ordetach.

It would therefore be useful if there could be provided a supportassembly that could be attached and/or detached with ease, using a lesspermanent fastening system, that would take less time to attach anddetach.

It would also be useful if a support assembly could be provided whichhas sufficient strength and/or versatility to allow the support assemblyto be used for more than just carrying luggage or other items.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited inthis specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission ismade that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of thereferences states what their authors assert, and the applicants reservethe right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the citeddocuments. It will be clearly understood that, although a number ofprior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does notconstitute an admission that any of these documents form part of thecommon general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any othercountry.

It is acknowledged that the term ‘comprise’ may, under varyingjurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusivemeaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwisenoted, the term ‘comprise’ shall have an inclusive meaning—i.e. that itwill be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components itdirectly references, but also other non-specified components orelements. This rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprised’ or‘comprising’ is used in relation to one or more steps in a method orprocess.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoingproblems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of exampleonly.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Attachment Device

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided anattachment device which includes:

-   -   a length of material which is fixed to a body portion of the        attachment device at one end thereof, the other end (free end)        of the length of material being capable, in use, of being passed        around the object or part thereof to which the attachment device        is to be attached; and    -   a gripping mechanism capable of receiving the free end of the        length of material and holding the length of material received        therein, in a set position, until the gripping mechanism is        released.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is providedan attachment device substantially as described above wherein thegripping mechanism includes:

-   -   a pawl and spring arrangement;    -   a toothed spindle which includes a slot for receiving the free        end of the length of material;        wherein the pawl is biased by the spring to engage the teeth on        the spindle, the teeth being shaped to only allow for rotation        of the spindle in one direction when engaged by the biased pawl        to allow for tensioning of the length of material. The pawl and        spring arrangement being configured to allow for the pawl to be        moved to disengage the teeth so the spindle is capable of        rotation in both directions.

In general, the pawl maybe disengaged via a release apparatus.

In one preferred embodiment the release apparatus may be in the form ofa cylindrical rod having an eccentric cam protrusion. The eccentric camprotrusion may be positioned to engage beneath a shoulder portion of thepawl. When the cylindrical rod is rotated the eccentric cam protrusionlifts the pawl via the shoulder portion causing it to release itsinteraction with the toothed portion of the spindle and thereby allowingthe spindle to rotate freely.

In some embodiments the cylindrical rod may be in the form of a separatekey including an eccentric cam at one end, that may be inserted into thebody portion and rotated to disengage the pawl substantially asdescribed above.

In one further preferred embodiment, the cylindrical rod having aneccentric cam that can interact with the pawl, wherein the cylindricalrod may be retained within the body portion, and wherein the cylindricalrod has a suitably shaped aperture or protrusion available to be engagedby a suitably shaped tool, (such as a hexagon key), to allow forrotation thereof. Thereby facilitating the withdrawal of the pawl, fromengagement with the toothed section of the spindle.

In yet further embodiments the pawl may itself be a resilient element(i.e. resilient pawl) which is normally biased to engage the teeth ofthe spindle, but is configured so that it can be moved to a disengagedposition to allow for free rotation of the spindle.

In yet a further embodiment, a spring activated rotary pawl is used,which pivots about a retention pin. The pawl again is configured to alsobe capable of being moved to an disengaged position.

The rotary pawl or resilient pawl may be disengaged from the toothedspindle, in a number of different ways.

In one preferred embodiment, the pawl has a suitably shaped aperture orprotrusion which can be engaged by a suitably shaped tool, such as ahexagon key, to rotate the pawl against the spring tension, thusdis-engaging it from the toothed spindle.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is providedan attachment device including:

-   -   a ratchet having a toothed spindle and pawl;    -   a length of material in the form of a strap connected to a body        portion, the strap connected to the body portion via means of a        loop, the free end of the strap, in use, passing through a slot        in the toothed spindle.

In preferred embodiments the looping of the strap positions the lengthof material between the body portion and the frame or object to whichthe attachment device is attached in use.

In preferred embodiments the attachment device may have adapted a regionof the body portion to allow for attachment of items thereto which areto be supported by the attachment device. For example, the region mayinclude one or more apertures therein via which an item can be attachedto the attachment device. Alternatively, it may have one or moreprotrusions configured to engage apertures, grooves, sockets or the likeon the object to be attached thereto.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there isprovided an attachment device substantially described above wherein asection of cushioning material is attached to, formed with, orpositioned upon, either: the length of material, or the body portion toprevent at least a portion of the body portion from directly contactingthe object or part thereof.

Further aspects of the attachment device will be discussed below inrelation to the bracket assembly of the present invention which employsthe attachment device of the present invention.

Bracket Assembly

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided abracket assembly which includes:

-   -   two attachment devices;        characterised in that the two attachment devices are connected        via at least one member so as to be spaced apart from one        another;        and wherein the each attachment device includes:    -   a length of material which is fixed to a body portion of the        attachment device at one end thereof, the other end (free end)        of the length of material being capable, in use, of being passed        around the object or part thereof to which the bracket assembly        is to be attached; and    -   a gripping mechanism capable of receiving the free end of the        length of material and holding the length of material received        therein, in a set position, until the gripping mechanism is        released.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided abracket assembly substantially as described above wherein the length ofmaterial is attached to the body portion of the attachment device, in amanner that positions the length of material between, the body portionand the object to which it is attached in use.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda bracket assembly substantially described above wherein the length ofmaterial and/or bracket are individually, or collectively, configured toprevent at least a portion of the body portion from directly contactingthe object.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there isprovided a bracket assembly substantially described above wherein asection of cushioning material is attached to, formed with, orpositioned upon either: the length of material, or the body portion ofthe bracket, to prevent at least a portion of the body portion fromdirectly contacting the object or part thereof.

In general, the object to which the attachment device may be attachedwill be a frame. However, this should not be seen as limiting.

For ease of reference, the object will now be referred to as being aframe.

The cushioning material may be any material which will have the effectof preventing or minimising the risk of the bracket damaging the frame(or part thereof) to which it is attached.

Preferably, the cushioning material may be foam rubber, soft plastic,composite fabric, elastomers or such like. However, other cushioningmaterials are envisaged to this list should not be seen as limiting.

It is envisaged that the member by which the two attachment devices areconnected may come in a variety of different forms without departingfrom the scope of the present invention.

In general the member may be substantially elongate in nature.

In preferred embodiments the member may be in the form of at least onebar, tube, or such like.

In other embodiments the member may be in the form of a substantiallyelongate sheet of material.

In other embodiments the member may be formed to have different shapesor configurations.

In general, the member will have at least one longitudinal axis whichsubstantially corresponds to that of the frame to which the bracket isto be attached.

The length of material may come in a variety of different forms withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

In general, the length of material may be in the form of a strap or suchlike.

In preferred embodiments the length of material may be in the form of awebbing or such like.

In preferred embodiments the length of material may be flexible, or atleast partially flexible, in nature.

The length of material may be fixed to the body portion in number ofdifferent ways.

In preferred embodiments the length of material may be fixed to the bodyportion of the attachment device via a loop.

The loop may be formed in a variety of different ways.

In some embodiments, the loop may be formed and secured by stitching onefree end of the length of material to a portion of the length ofmaterial intermediate to the two free ends.

In preferred embodiments the length of material may be passedaround/through the body portion and the loop may be formed incombination with a section of cushioning material.

In one preferred embodiment, the loop may be formed in combination witha section of cushioning material which has one or more slots throughwhich the length of material can be passed, and through which the freeend of the length of material, can be passed back on itself, whilstsecuring the length of material to the body portion

Alternatively, the loop may be formed simply by passing an end of thelength of material through the body portion and then threading the freeend back on itself.

In such non-stitched embodiments, the length of material may bepositioned between the body portion and the object to which theattachment device or bracket is attached, such that the force applied tothe loop section by the object and the body portion, when the length ofmaterial is tightened, holds the loop in place.

Furthermore, in such non-stitched embodiments described, theconfiguration of the length of material being looped through the bodyportion and back on itself, allows the tightening force to restrain thelength of material from slipping, through being positioned between thebody portion and the object.

In some other embodiments the length of material may have one endthereof constructed to be of larger dimensions (e.g. thickness), thanthat of the remainder length of material. This enlarged end constructionof the length of material thereby allowing for this end to be retainedwithin the body portion of the attachment device, whilst the remainderof the length of material extends out therefrom.

It is envisaged in further embodiments the length of material may beformed integrally with the body portion.

In preferred embodiments the member may be adapted to allow forattachment of items thereto which will be supported by the bracket. Forexample, the member may include one or more apertures therein via whichan item can be attached to the bracket. Alternatively, it may have oneor more shaped protrusions configured to engage apertures, grooves,sockets or the like on the item to be attached thereto.

The item may be nearly anything which one wants to attach to a frame viaa bracket.

Preferably, the item may be a support frame such as, for example only,is detailed later on in this specification. Although it can beappreciated that other items can be equally attached to the bracket.

In some cases the item itself may clamp or otherwise directly engage themember so as to effect an attachment to the bracket.

As can be discerned from the above description the body portion and/ormember may come in a variety of different configurations withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

The body portion houses the gripping mechanism and may be integrallyformed as part of the elongate member or attached thereto.

In one preferred embodiment the body portion may be substantiallyU-shaped when viewed side on. The upper end of the arms of the U beingthe point where the body portion is attached to the member. A length ofmaterial can then be passed through the aperture created by the base ofthe U-shape and a loop arrangement created to secure the length ofmaterial to the body portion.

In other preferred embodiments where the body portion is integrallyformed as part of the member the body portion may include a slot orother aperture therein through the length of material can pass tofacilitate its attachment to the body portion.

Ideally, the body portion is also configured to have a shape whichsubstantially corresponds to that of the frame to which the bracket willbe attached.

The frame may be any structure to which it is desired to attach abracket by means of a length of material which can be passed around aportion of the frame.

In preferred embodiments the frame may be in the form of a bicycleframe, or a roof rack frame.

In preferred embodiments, where the frame is in the form of a frame fora bike, the body portion may include a curved surface which correspondsto that of the portion of the frame to which the bracket will beattached. The curved surface generally corresponds to that of the frame,receiving and positioning it positively to the base of the two parallelU-sections, contacting the frame through the looped and doubled backlength of material.

It is through the base of the two U-shaped sections of the body portion,about which the length of material is looped though and doubled back,that tightening the strap provides the necessary pressure point contactthrough the length of material, and against the frame, securing thelength of material and preventing it from slipping in use.

In preferred embodiments the width and/or thickness of the length ofmaterial may be sufficient to prevent the body portion from contactingthe frame.

In some particular embodiments it may be necessary to add a section ofcushioning material to increase the total thickness and for width of thelength of material to ensure the body portion does not contact theparticular frame.

The gripping mechanism may come in a variety of different forms withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

In some preferred embodiments the gripping mechanism may be in the formof a ratchet and pawl arrangement, wherein the free end of the strappasses through a slot in a spindle associated with the ratchet.

In some other preferred embodiments the gripping device may be in theform of a worm and tooth wheel arrangement to effect the rotation of thespindle and the subsequent tensioning and holding of the length ofmaterial being held within the slot in the spindle.

In some other embodiments the gripping device may be in the form of aclamp or such like which can be closed to the grip the length ofmaterial.

In further embodiments the gripping device may be in the form of apinion rotating with meshed contact against a toothed or racked lengthof material.

Support Frame

According to one further aspect of the present invention there isprovided a support frame which includes:

-   -   a primary support member;    -   at least one secondary support member;        characterised in that the primary and secondary support members        are connected to one another in a manner which allows the        relative spatial relationship of the two members to be adjusted        and wherein at least one end of each member, is capable in use,        of connecting the support frame to an article.

In this aspect the end(s) of member(s) may directly or indirectlyinteract with at least one connection point on the article wherein theconnection point is adapted to engage, or facilitate engagement with,the member(s).

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda support frame which includes:

-   -   a primary support member;    -   at least one secondary support member;        characterised in that the primary and secondary support members        are connected to one another in a manner which allows the        relative spatial relationship of the two members to be adjusted        and wherein at least one end of each member is adapted to be        capable of connecting the support frame to an article.

A support frame substantially as described above wherein the ends of theprimary and/or secondary support member, are used to connect the memberto an article, include an attachment portion.

A support frame substantially as described above wherein the attachmentportion is attached to the member in a manner that allows the attachmentportion to at least partially pivot or swivel with respect to saidmember.

The article may be nearly anything to which one may want to attach asupport frame to.

The support frame may be used to either support items directly thereonor indirectly via a support surface or other support-device which isattached thereto.

Alternately, the support frame may be used to effect a connectionbetween an item and the article. For example if the item may be awheeled cart which is connected to a bicycle via a support frame.

In general the second member has the function of a strut to assist andstabilise the primary member in carrying the load created by the itemsbeing supported.

Preferably, the member/s of the support frame may be capable of beingpivotally attached to the article either directly or via an attachmentportion.

In preferred embodiments the article may be a bracket or the like.

In preferred embodiments, the article may be a bracket assemblysubstantially as described above, however this should not be seen aslimiting.

In other embodiments the article may be a portion of a bicycle frame orbicycle fork member.

In further embodiments, the article may be, a portion of a bicycle frameor bicycle fork member, that has connection points which may include oneor more apertures and/or protrusions that are capable of engaging theprimary and/or secondary support members of the support frame, to attachthem directly or indirectly to the frame or fork member.

It is envisaged that the primary support member may come in a variety ofdifferent forms without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

In preferred embodiments the primary support member may be substantiallyU-shaped when viewed from above/below, or front/end on.

In other embodiments of the present invention, a straight,(non-U-shaped) primary support member may be used in conjunction with asecondary support member and be attached to an article, either directlyor via a bracket.

In some further preferred embodiments the primary support member may beconfigured to have a first section and a second section which are angledwith respect to one another.

In preferred embodiments, the first section may be substantially atright angles to the second section.

In other embodiments the first section may be at a substantially obtuseor oblique angle to the second section of the primary support member.

In some embodiments the primary support member may include a series ofapertures, shaped protrusions, or fixing points spaced along a region ofits length to allow for connection to the secondary support member.

The secondary support member may have a variety of differentconfigurations without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

In some preferred embodiments the secondary support member may be in theform of a rod which has two hooked or suitably shaped ends which canengage with apertures or shaped protrusions in the primary supportmember, and/or to apertures or shaped protrusions on the article towhich the support frame is to be attached.

In a preferred embodiment of the above described secondary supportmember embodiment, the secondary support may indirectly connect to theprimary support member by means of a clamp or such like. In thisembodiment, the said clamp, when released, may be allowed to slide onthe first and/or second member of the primary support member to allowfor a range of adjustable positions for the secondary support member tobe attached and locked in position.

In some further preferred embodiments the secondary support member maybe adapted to allow for the length of the secondary member to beadjusted.

In some such embodiments the secondary support member may include two ormore telescopic sections.

In some other embodiments that allow the secondary member to have itslength adjusted, the secondary support member may include two or moresections that are slidably linked together.

It is of course envisaged that secondary support member may also becapable of adjusting its length in a variety of other ways, such as maybe known in the art, without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

In general, the primary and secondary support members may be pivotallyconnected to one another.

The ends of the primary and/or secondary support members may be capableof being attached to an article in a variety of different ways.

In some embodiments where the primary and secondary support members aresubstantially tubular in nature, a connection to the article may beeffected via interaction with a suitably shaped and dimensionedprotrusion, which is received within the tubular member.

In some further preferred embodiments, the ends of each member used toconnect the support assembly to an object may include an aperture (orclevis) which can receive an attachment device such as a pin, bolt orsuch like.

In some further preferred embodiments, in addition to an aperture, theends of the member may include a slot, groove or clevis to facilitateattachment to the article.

Alternately, the ends of the member may have a bulbous end which canengage with a socket to form a ball joint.

Further the ends of the members may have a connection which facilitatesquick mechanical attachment and release to the article. Suchquick-release mechanism may incorporate over-centre cam locking devicessuch that are known in the art, or may use other quick-release methodsof connection, without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

It is envisaged the attachment portion may come in a variety ofdifferent forms.

In preferred embodiments the attachment portion may include:

-   -   a first aperture which is at one end of the attachment portion        and which is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis of        the attachment portion; and    -   a slot which runs co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the        attachment portion; and    -   a second aperture at the other end of the attachment portion        which is also transverse to the longitudinal axis of the        attachment portion as well as being orthogonal with respect to        the axis of the first aperture.

In such embodiments the section of the attachment portion through whichthe second aperture passes may be suitably shaped/dimensioned so as tofit within, or fit over, the end of the primary support member whichincludes an aperture, which can align with the second aperture in theattachment portion, to allow for connection via an attachment devicesuch as a bolt, pin or such like.

The attachment portion and associated member may be adapted to at leastpartially pivot or swivel with respect to one another in a variety ofdifferent ways.

In a preferred embodiment the aperture(s) which connect(s) theattachment portion to the primary support member may beshaped/dimensioned to allow for substantially horizontal movement of theattachment device portion to allow for at least some angular adjustmentof the attachment portion.

Alternately, the ends of the attachment portion may have a bulbous endwhich can engage with a socket to form a ball joint to facilitateswivelling and angular adjustment.

Further the ends of the attachment portion may have a connection whichfacilitates such swivelling and angular adjustments described above, aswell as allowing quick mechanical attachment and release to the article.Such quick-release mechanism may incorporate over-centre cam lockingdevices such that are known in the art, or may use other quick-releasemethods of connection, without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

In some preferred embodiments the support frame may include a deck, orgenerally horizontal surface for supporting items thereon.

In other preferred embodiments the support frame may include aperturesand/or shaped protrusions to attach further receptacles and/orsupport-devices for supporting items thereon. For example, suchreceptacles/support-devices could receive, support and/or retain:panniers, bags, baby-seats, baskets; but should not be limited thereto.

In some preferred embodiments the support frame may include a retentionarrangement for retaining items on the deck or on the frame.

In one preferred embodiment the retention arrangement may be in the formof a bungee and hook device that is housed inside the primary supportmember. In use the bungee and hook device may be withdrawn from theprimary support member and stretched over items to be secured to thesupport frame, deck or other support means employed. When released andrelaxed, the bungee retreats back inside the tubular primary supportmember of the support frame, leaving the hook device exposed for usefulaccess.

In some embodiments the retention arrangement may be in the form of abiased clamp type arrangement which can be opened and then closed on theitem being carried by the deck.

In other preferred embodiments the retention arrangement may use thesupport frame, and/or an attached deck and/or other related shapedprotrusions or apertures, to receive and retain items that areshaped/dimensioned to match and/or engage such apertures and shapedprotrusions.

Support Assembly

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided asupport assembly which includes a support frame which has:

-   -   a primary support member;    -   at least one secondary support member;        characterised in that the primary and secondary support members        are connected to one another in a manner which allows the        relative spatial relationship of the two members to be adjusted        and wherein at least one end of each member, is capable in use,        of connecting the support frame to an article via at least one        attachment device or at least one bracket.

Accordingly to another aspect of the present invention there is provideda support assembly which includes a support frame substantially asdescribed above wherein at least one end of each member: is connected toat least one:

-   -   attachment device; or    -   bracket; and/or        wherein at least one end of each member is adapted to be        connected to at least one connection point;

wherein the attachment device and bracket are substantially as describedabove.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda support assembly which includes:

-   -   a support frame which includes:        -   a primary support member; and        -   a secondary support member;    -   wherein the primary and secondary support members are connected        to one another in a manner which allows the relative spatial        relationship of the two members to be adjusted; and    -   a bracket which includes:        -   two attachment devices;    -   wherein the attachment devices are connected to one another via        at least one member so as to be spaced apart from one another.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda support assembly substantially as described above wherein eachattachment device includes:

-   -   a length of material which is fixed to a body portion of the        attachment device at one end thereof, the other end (free end)        of the length of material being capable, in use, of being passed        around the object to which the bracket is to be attached; and    -   a gripping mechanism capable of receiving the free end of the        length of material and holding the length of material received        therein, in a set position, until the gripping mechanism is        released.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided asupport assembly substantially as described above wherein the length ofmaterial and/or the bracket are individually or collectively configuredto prevent at least a portion of the body portion from directlycontacting the article.

The article may be nearly anything to which one may want to attach asupport assembly in order to carry items via a support assembly.

In preferred embodiments the article may be the frame of a bicycle orsuch like.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provideda support assembly substantially as described above wherein the ends ofeither the primary or secondary support member, used to connect themember to an attachment device or bracket, include an attachmentportion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided asupport assembly substantially as described above wherein the attachmentportion is attached to the primary or secondary member in a manner thatallows the attachment portion to at least partially pivot or swivel withrespect to said member.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided adeck or generally horizontal surface capable of supporting itemsthereon.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a support assembly substantially described above wherein thereis provided apertures and/or suitably shaped protrusions to attachreceptacles and/or support-devices for supporting items thereon. Forexample, such receptacles/support-devices could include: panniers, bags,baby-seats, baskets; but should not be limited thereto.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a support assembly substantially described above that includesa bungee and hook device, that is housed inside the primary supportmember or a portion thereof.

Thus, preferred embodiments of the present invention may have a numberof advantages over the prior art which can include one or more of thefollowing:

-   -   an attachment device and/or bracket which is configured to        minimise the chance of the bracket damaging an object to which        it is attached;    -   an attachment device and/or bracket which is capable of        supporting a larger load;    -   an attachment device and/or bracket having a reduced tendency to        twist or slide when the bracket is subjected to additional force        such as a knock; and/or    -   an attachment device and/or bracket capable of reducing the        resultant load exerted by the attachment device and/or bracket        at the point of attachment;    -   an attachment device and/or bracket capable of being used for        multiple attachment purposes;    -   an attachment device and/or bracket which is capable of being        attached and detached quickly and with ease;    -   an attachment device and/or bracket which is capable of being        attached securely to a range of different frames, and frame        sections.    -   an attachment device and/or bracket which is capable of applying        a greater gripping force (throughout 360 degrees of the frame        profile being attached to);    -   a support frame which is capable of being used on different        types of bicycles;    -   a support frame which is capable of being used on different        sized bicycles;    -   a support frame which is capable of being attached to a bicycle        in two or more positions;    -   a support frame which is capable of being attached and detached        to a bicycle quickly and with ease;    -   a support frame which is capable of being adjusted quickly and        with ease, to fit a wide variety of bicycle types and sizes;    -   a support frame which is capable of including a means of        attaching and interchanging further receptacles/support-devices        for supporting items.    -   a support frame which is capable of including a means of        retaining and securing items to the deck or other        support-device.    -   a support assembly for carrying luggage on a bicycle which has        one or more of the above advantages described in relation to        attachment devices, brackets and/or support frames, above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description which is given by way of example only and withreference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is (a) a cross sectional end view A-A, of one preferredembodiment of the attachment device in accordance with the presentinvention; (b) a side view of the attachment device in (a); (c) a topview of the attachment device in (b);

FIG. 2 (a) shows a cross sectional view of a further embodiment of theattachment device in accordance with the present invention; (b) shows across sectional view of an alternative release mechanism for theattachment device; (c) shows an enlarged portion of view (b) to providefurther detail of the alternative release mechanism;

FIG. 3 (a) shows a cross sectional view (B-B) of an alternative ratchetarrangement; (b) is a side view of the alternative ratchet arrangementshown in (a): View (c) and (d) show enlarged partial sectional views ofthe alternative ratchet arrangement shown in (a);

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the attachment device, with analternative sprung pawl arrangement;

FIG. 5 is a detailed schematic of components shown in FIGS. 1,2,3,4, and7;

FIG. 6 is (a) a schematic top plan; and (b) a side view of a bracket inaccordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is (a) a schematic top plan, (b) side elevation including a partsection view through broken line E-E (c) sectional end view throughbroken line F-F, of the bracket shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is (a) a schematic side and (b) end view of a support frame inaccordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is (a) a schematic side and (b) end view of an alternativeembodiment of the secondary support member of the support frame

FIG. 10 is (a) a schematic side and (b) end view of a furtheralternative embodiment of the secondary support member of the supportframe;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of a primary member and associatedattachment portion in accordance with one preferred embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic (a) top view, (b) side view, and (c) sectionalview along broken line C-C of a support assembly, in accordance with onepreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of thesupport assembly as shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows the support assembly in FIG. 12 in use in variouspositions on a bicycle; also shown is the attachment device in FIG. 1 inuse securing an item to a bicycle;

FIG. 15 shows a further embodiment of the support assembly, similar tothat in FIG. 12, attached directly to a bicycle in various positions;

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With respect to FIG. 1 there is provided an attachment device (1) whichhas a body portion (2) and length of material in the form of a strap (3)and a gripping mechanism in the form of a ratchet (4). The ratchet (4)has a toothed spindle (5) and a pawl (6). The pawl (6) is biased towardsthe teeth (7) on the spindle (5) by means of a spring (8).

The strap (3) encircles an object (9) and the free end (10) of the strap(3) passes through a slot (11) in the spindle (5). The strap (3) isconnected to the body portion (2) via a loop (12) which is formed viaone end of the strap (3) being passed back on itself and beingpositioned between the body portion (2) and the object (9). A section ofcushioning material (C) is shown positioned between the looped strap (3)and the object (9). The pawl can be disengaged from the toothed spindleby means of a release apparatus in the form of a key (L) having aneccentric cam (14) which can be located in an aperture (15) of the bodyportion (2). The rod (13) can be rotated by a key (L) so that the cam(14) lifts the pawl (6) to disengage contact with the teeth (7).

The body portion (2) has a region adapted for attaching items thereto inthe form of an aperture (16). In use, items can be bolted to the bodyportion (2) via aperture (16). Alternately, in embodiments where theaperture is threaded items may be screwed to the body portion (2).

As shown in FIG. 2, the toothed end (7) of the ratchet spindle (5)engages with a pawl (6).

The pawl (6) is biased towards the teeth of the spindle by means of aspring (8). In use, when the toothed spindle (5) is rotated in ananti-clockwise direction, this allows the pawl (6) to permit the toothedspindle to rotate so as to tension the strap (3) against the object (9)about which the strap encircles. The pawl (6) does not allow the toothedspindle (8) to rotate in a clockwise direction to maintain the tensionon the strap (3).

Conversely, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), when the pawl (6) is disengaged, byrotating a release apparatus in the form of a key (L) in the directionshown by arrow Z, so that a cam (14) lifts the pawl (6) out ofengagement with the toothed spindle (5), the toothed spindle (5) can berotated clockwise to release the tension on strap (3) which can then, ifrequired, be pulled out of slot (11) in the spindle (5).

The teeth of the toothed spindle (5) are configured to allow the spindle(5) to be moved in an anti-clockwise direction when sufficientrotational force is applied to the spindle to overcome the resistance ofthe spring biased pawl (6). In use, sufficient rotational force may beapplied to the spindle (5) by means of a screw driver, hexagon key orsuch like which can engage a suitably shaped indent (not shown) in theend of the toothed spindle (5).

FIGS. 2(b) and (c) show an alternative embodiment of that in FIG. 2(a)with the key difference relating to the release apparatus which in thisembodiment is in the form of a cylindrical rod (17) having an eccentriccam (18). The cylindrical rod (17) has an annular groove (19) whichreceives a pin (20) which holds the rod (17) in the aperture (21) in thebody portion (22). The cylindrical rod (17) has an aperture in the formof a hexagonal recess (23) which can received an alien key (not shown)which can be used to rotate the cylindrical rod (17) in direction (X) todisengage the pawl (6) from the toothed spindle (5).

FIG. 3 (a) and (b) shows an alternate embodiment of an attachment device(26) in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 3(c) and (d) show aportion of the alternate embodiment in enlarged detail. The keydifferences this embodiment has to previously described embodiments arethe body (27) has a protrusion which has a T-shaped cross section (34)to allow for sliding engagement of items (A) (of which only a smallportion is shown) to the body portion (27) via means of a groove (35) onthe article corresponding to the T-shaped cross section of the bodyportion (27). This embodiment also has a pawl (28) activated by a sprungelement (29) also shown in FIG. 5. A release apparatus in the form of astepped cylinder (30) frictionally engages the inner circumferentialsurface (36) of the sprung element (29). The stepped cylinder (30) hasan engaging surface (31)—refer FIG. 5—which mechanically engages theinner circumferential surface (37) of the pawl (28)—refer FIG. 5—and ahexagonal recess (32) which can engage an alien key (33). The cylinder(30) also has an axle (38)—refer FIG. 5—at the opposite end to recess(32) which fits into an aperture (not shown) in the body portion (27).The cylinder (30) in use can rotate about axle (38) when moved by thealien key (33). To disengage the sprung activated pawl (28) the alienkey is rotated in the direction of arrow (K) which moves the sprung pawlas shown by arrow (D) against its natural bias (due to its positioningand configuration) to engage the teeth.

FIG. 4 shows a pawl (28) having a ring portion (39) with a protrusion(40). The protrusion (40) engages the teeth (7) on the toothed spindle(5). The protrusion (40) is biased towards the teeth (7) by a spring(41). Again, this embodiment uses a stepped cylinder substantially asdescribed in relation to FIG. 3 to disengage the pawl (28) from thetoothed spindle (5).

FIG. 5 shows the components in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7 in more detail. Inparticular the spindle (5), slot (11) and teeth (7). Additionally, shownare the pawl (6), the key (L), both inside and front elevations; and thespring (8), in top and side elevations. Also shown is an alternativepawl (28), that works in conjunction with sprung element (29) and thestepped cylinder (30). Also shown in FIG. 5 is a side and end elevationof an alternative release apparatus in the form of a cylindrical rod(17) and the corresponding retaining pin (20).

With respect to FIGS. 6-7 there is shown a bracket (42) which has twoattachment devices (43) and (44) which are connected via a member in theform of a bar (45). In FIG. 6 the attachment devices (43) and (44) donot show the gripping mechanism in order to more clearly show the bodyportion (46).

The attachment devices (43) and (44) are shown in more detail in FIGS. 7and 5. The attachment device (44) has a length of material in the formof a strap (3) which is connected to a body portion (46) which issubstantially U-shaped when viewed side on (refer FIG. 6(b)). The strap(3) is connected to the body portion (46) via means of a loop (50). Theloop (50) is formed via stitching 51 which joins one end of the strap(3) to another part of the strap. As can be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 thebody portion has two U-shaped members (47) and (48) on either side ofbar (45). It is about, the U-shaped members (47) and (48), that the loop(50) is formed—refer FIG. 7.

FIG. 2 (a) shows one configuration of the looped strap attachment. FIG.2 (b) shows an alternative configuration of the looped strap connection.FIG. 4 and FIG. 7(c) show further alternative configurations of thelooped strap attachment.

With respect to FIG. 7 the free end (S) of the strap (3) in use passesthrough a slot (11) in a ratchet spindle (5).

With respect to FIG. 8 there is provided a support frame generallyindicated by arrow (52) The support frame (52) has a primary member (53)and secondary members (54).

The primary member (53) is substantially U-shaped when viewed end on orfrom the top. The primary member (53) has a first section (55) and asecond section (56).

A number of apertures (57) are positioned along the second section (56)of the primary member (53) to allow for adjustable connection of thesecond member (54) thereto.

As is shown in FIG. 8(b) the secondary member (54) has two hooked ends(58) for connecting the secondary member (54) to the primary supportmember (53) and a bracket (not shown).

With respect to FIG. 9 there is shown another embodiment of secondarysupport member (60) which is pivotally connected at one end to a clamp(61). The position of the secondary member (60) is able to be altered asis shown by the dotted lines so that its position can be adjusted tocater for alternative fork angles on different bicycles (not shown).Also shown is a bolt (B) which is tightened to lock the clamp (61) inthe desired position on the primary support member (53).

With respect to FIG. 10 there is shown an alternate secondary supportmember (70) which has a first section (71) and a second section (72)which are telescopically adjustable with respect to one another. Thetelescopic adjustment of the two sections (71, 72) allows for the lengthof the secondary member (70) to be altered. The first section (71) alsoincludes an aperture (73) which allows for the member (70) to beconnected to a bracket (not shown) the distal end of the second section(72) includes a hook (74) which allows it to be connected to the primarymember (53).

With respect to FIG. 11 there is shown one end of a primary supportmember (75) which is connected to an attachment portion (76) by means ofa bolt (77) which passes through the top section (not shown) of theattachment portion (76) which, extends up into the end of section (56)of the primary member (76). The bolt (77) passes through the primarysupport member via a lateral slot (78) and an aperture (not shown) inthe attachment portion (76).

The lateral slot (78) in primary member (75) allows for angularpositioning of the attachment portion (76) with respect to the primarymember (75). The attachment portion (76) has a groove (79) as well as asecond aperture (80) orthogonal thereto which receives a bolt (81) whichconnects the attachment portion to a bracket (82).

The ability to adjust the angular angle of the attachment portion (76)and hence the bracket (82) allows the support frame associated withprimary member (75) to be connected to the splayed rear forks of abicycle (not shown).

With respect to FIG. 12 there is shown a support assembly generallyindicated by arrow (83). The support assembly (83) is generally U-shaped(as are the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8-10) when viewed end on. Thesupport assembly has a support frame generally indicated by arrow (84).The support frame (84) has a primary member (85) and a secondary member(86) connected thereto by means of a clamp (87) on a vertical section(88) of primary member (85).

The support frame (84) includes a plastic deck (89) on a horizontalsection (90) of the primary member (85).

The primary member (85) is substantially hollow and has retained thereina retention arrangement in the form of a bungee cord (91). One end ofthe bungee cord (91) exits the primary member (85) via an aperture (92)in the top section (90) and this end of the bungee cord (91) includes ahook (93) thereon. The other end of the bungee cord (91) is retainedwithin primary member (85) via means of a second hook (94) at theopposite end to that of the hook (93). The hook (94) is secured to abolt or pin (95) within the attachment portion (96). The bracket (97) isconnected to the secondary member (86) at the opposite end to that atwhich the primary member (85) to the secondary member (86) is attachedvia a bolt (98).

In use, the hooked end (93) of the bungee cord (91) may be stretchedover a load (not shown) resting on deck (89) and secured to a lip (99),on the periphery of the deck (89) to secure the load thereto. Onrelease, the bungee cord (91) retreats back inside the primary member(85).

FIG. 13 shows the support assembly (100), shown in FIG. 12 in greatdetail without the deck to aid clarity.

As can be seen in FIG. 14 the support assembly (101, 102) of the presentinvention can be attached to either the front of back forks of a bicycle(103). Also shown in FIG. 14 is an attachment device (104) securing anaccessory item (Q) to the frame (105) of a bicycle (103).

FIG. 15 shows two support assemblies (106, 107) attached to connectionpoints in the form of protrusions (108) on the front and rear forks of abike (110). The protrusions (108) have apertures (not shown) whichreceive bolts (109) to connect the support assembly to the bike (110).

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of exampleonly and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions maybe made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined inthe appended claims.

What I claim is:
 1. An attachment device which comprises: a first bodyportion and a second body portion to be attached to an object, the firstbody portion and the second body portion connected by a bar member; alength of material fixed to at least one body portion of the attachmentdevice at one end thereof via a loop, the other end of the length ofmaterial comprising a free end configured to be passed around an objectto which the at least one body portion is to be attached; the at leastone body portion comprising a gripping mechanism for selectivelysecuring the free end of the length of material and holding the lengthof material received therein, in a set position, until the grippingmechanism is released, the gripping mechanism comprising a ratchethaving a spindle and a pawl and the length of material comprises a strapconnected to the at least one body portion, the strap connected to theat least one body portion via means of the loop, the free end of thestrap, in use, passing through a slot in the ratchet spindle; whereinthe pawl is disengaged via a release apparatus, wherein the releaseapparatus is in the form of a cylindrical rod having an eccentric camthat can interact with the pawl, wherein the cylindrical rod is retainedwithin the at least one body portion, and wherein the cylindrical rodhas a suitably shaped aperture or protrusion available to be engaged bya suitably shaped tool for rotation thereof; and wherein the looping ofthe length of material to the at least one body portion positions aportion of the length of material between the at least one body portionand the object to which the attachment device is attached in use andprevents the at least one body portion from directly contacting theobject.
 2. An attachment device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a sectionof cushioning material is attached to, formed with, or positioned upon,either: the length of material or the at least one body portion of thebracket, to prevent at least a portion of the at least one body portionfrom directly contacting the object.
 3. An attachment device as claimedin claim 1, wherein the length of material is passed through the atleast one body portion and the loop is formed in combination with asection of cushioning material.
 4. The attachment device as claimed inclaim 3, wherein the cushioning material has one or more slots throughwhich the length of material is passed, and through which the free endof the length of material, is passed back on itself.
 5. The attachmentdevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one body portioncomprises a region for attachment of items thereto which are to besupported by the attachment device, the region comprising one or moreapertures.